Starting on May 7, 2025, air travelers will need a REAL ID to fly, but there are acceptable alternatives.
“Starting on May 7, 2025, a state-issued driver’s license or ID that is not REAL ID compliant will no longer be accepted as a valid form of identification at airports,” TSA wrote on its website.
“Passengers traveling after this enforcement deadline should either travel with an acceptable alternative form of ID, like a passport, or enroll for a state-issued REAL ID through their state DMV offices,” TSA adds.
Passengers “who do not yet have their REAL ID or another TSA-acceptable form of ID can expect to face delays, additional screening, and the possibility of not being allowed into the security checkpoint. This includes TSA PreCheck passengers,” TSA added.
“If you are not sure if your ID complies with REAL ID, check with your state department of motor vehicles,” TSA advises. “A temporary driver’s license is not an acceptable form of identification.”
As of May 1, 2025, TSA’s list includes the following acceptable alternatives to having a REAL ID:
State-issued Enhanced Driver’s License (EDL) or Enhanced ID (EID).
U.S. passport or U.S. passport card.
DHS trusted traveler cards (Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, FAST).
U.S. Department of Defense ID, including IDs issued to dependents.
Permanent resident card.
Border crossing card.
An acceptable photo ID issued by a federally recognized Tribal Nation/Indian Tribe, including Enhanced Tribal Cards (ETCs).
HSPD-12 PIV card.
Foreign government-issued passport.
Canadian provincial driver’s license or Indian and Northern Affairs Canada card.
Transportation worker identification credential.
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Employment Authorization Card (I-766).
U.S. Merchant Mariner Credential.
Veteran Health Identification Card (VHIC).
TSA notes, “The list of acceptable IDs is subject to change without notice. TSA strongly encourages you check this list again before traveling, so you do not arrive at the airport without acceptable ID.”
TSA “currently accepts expired ID up to two years after expiration, for the above listed forms of identification,” the agency wrote, adding, “TSA does not require children under 18 to provide identification when traveling within the United States. Contact the airline for questions regarding specific ID requirements for travelers under 18.”
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Author: Jessica McBride